Goshen, Ind. — A basketball season is a marathon, not a sprint, and the early weeks always find a way of testing a team's toughness, depth, and resolve. For the 2025–26 Aquinas Women's Basketball team, that early-season grind isn't just expected—it's embraced. Coach Brian Morris knows that the wear-and-tear of November games, long road trips, and tight finishes are exactly what prepare a team for the reality of WHAC play. And on Saturday afternoon in Goshen, the Saints found themselves in another one of those battles that will pay off down the stretch.

Aquinas 69, Goshen 66

Aquinas needed every ounce of grit to claw back from an early deficit, and it started with senior leader Paige Guernsey, who delivered a stellar 24-point performance while going an impressive 14-for-16 at the free-throw line. Rhema Dozier kept the Saints within striking distance by knocking down four triples and finishing with 20 points, including several momentum-turning shots throughout the game. Isabel Reemsnyder added 11 points and six rebounds, helping AQ stabilize after a tough defensive start. Hope Kanouse and Hannah Gillette provided key defensive stops, with Kanouse adding four boards and three assists to help steady the Saints' offense.

The Saints made their biggest move in the second half, outscoring Goshen 33–18 over the final two quarters. Reemsnyder's rebounding, MJ Mikus's strong interior presence, and timely scoring from Brynn Reams (eight points, including a big first-half three) gave AQ the depth it needed to stay close. With the game tied late, Aquinas leaned on its veterans—Guernsey delivered a clutch bucket, Dozier added another late spark, and Reams finished strong at the rim to keep AQ within striking distance. The Saints tightened defensively, forcing multiple turnovers before Guernsey calmly stepped to the free-throw line and buried critical shots in the final seconds to complete the comeback.

In the closing minute, Aquinas showed its developing championship mindset. The Saints forced turnovers, secured two massive defensive rebounds, and executed with total composure in crunch time. Steals from Guernsey, late-game boards from Reemsnyder, and Dozier's steady ball-handling helped the Saints shut down the Maple Leafs and escape with a hard-earned road win. It was the kind of early-season grinder that sharpens a team—and a reminder that AQ's toughness is growing game by game.

Inside the Numbers
     • 24 points for Paige Guernsey (14–16 FT)
     • 20 points, including four triples from Rhema Dozier
     • 11 points, six rebounds, three assists from Isabel Reemsnyder
     • AQ outscored Goshen 20–8 in the fourth quarter

Coach's Comments
Head Coach Brian Morris spoke about the early-season grind and how winning tight games builds the foundation for WHAC play:
"Games like this are what shape a team. We were challenged all afternoon, and instead of folding, we responded. These close battles on the road toughen you for the conference season. I'm proud of our composure, our effort, and the way we trusted each other when the game was on the line."

Up Next
The AQ three-game road trip continues Wednesday as the Saints begin WHAC play at Cleary, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 PM. Visit AQSaints.com for live stats, streaming links, and full post-game coverage.